With the UK Open starting in Bolton on Thursday, here are my thoughts on the possible winners and best bets for the event. The format is an open draw, best of 11 legs at the start and seeds come in at the third round stage but will still have to win six matches to be champ.

Barney loves this event - he's a former winner who seems to thrive in this format. RVB is a massive runner. He's playing well and when he's on he wins.

The Power incredibly comes in at the first round stage - never has he found qualifying for this event so tough. That said he's still the one the other players will want to avoid. As last year’s runner up he will be looking to go one better - anything else will be seen as a failure to him.

MVG, my goodness, the way this man is playing its hard to see him getting beaten at all! However, the format lends itself to upsets but I expect the favourites (Taylor, MVG and RVB ) to progress.

For an outside bet, there are a few that I'll be having a small punt on - the first being Kim Huybrechts. He's a man who plays better on the big stage and with his silky smooth throw he can keep winning without expending too much energy, and, believe me, this is four days of fierce, energy sapping competition.

My other fancy is Kevin McDine. Super Mac has had a real lean time over the last few years but he's on a massive high at the moment and playing the best darts of his career. He's not the type to go off the boil or panic when the going gets tough.

This event is normally won by the player who can remain consistent throughout. Robert Thornton was the one last year and he could do some damage again.